Hatfield Forest

Bring your children to the forest for some fantastic fun during the summer holidays

Join one of our special summer runs, games or other activities, and share our love and knowledge of the forest.

Bring your family to the forest and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, whether it be just letting off steam running around under the trees, building a den or exploring the further reaches on foot or by bike.

With lots of open space and woodland to explore at our special place we're perfect for kick starting your 50 Things adventure. Here are our top ten activities to get you started.

The forest trails are ideal for walking, running or riding. Try the lake for boating or fishing.

Get some fresh air and exercise by following one of the many walks around the forest. At the end, treat yourself to a refreshing drink and may be even a slice of cake from the forest cafe.

Hatfield Forest is a perfect place for walking your dog, with miles of paths to explore, trees to sniff and grass to roll about in.

Find out how we're working with world-leading tree and soil experts to create a living laboratory in Hatfield Forest.

Take a look at our conservation management plan for the forest, as well as background expert reports.

When there's a storm a-brewing, we need to close the forest.

Are you interested in how we look after the forest, to protect and enhance our special place

Find out more about some of the special projects we undertake in and around the Forest.

There are many species of bird at our special place. From woodland to water they call our special place home.

We're home to an established population of both fallow and muntjac deer, secretive and shy but well worth the stake out. Come scour our woods to see how many you find.

We're not only a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but also a National Nature Reserve. Visit to find out why we've been awarded these designations and what they mean for our visitors and volunteers.

The special nature of the forest was recognised over 90 years ago, when it was saved by a wonderful act of generosity by one of our earliest conservationists.

Find out more about some of the forest's rich and varied history.

Find out more about the history of Hatfield Forest stretching back over two thousand years.

The Forest contains a number of buildings and sites of historic interest.

Several families have been associated with ownership of the Forest over the last six hundred years.

Find out more about some of the things you may have seen whilst exploring the Forest

Treat yourself at the Forest Cafe. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cappucino.

Enjoy tempting treats on your visit to our shop, from locally sourced food to the perfect gift. All profits go directly back into our conservation work at the Forest.

We sell award winning venison, firewood and planks of timber, all sourced from the Forest.

What better way to learn than in an outdoor classroom. Bring your group and discover our varied and exciting learning programme.

Come and have some fun in the Forest. Join one of our monthly Explorer groups.